Merseyside Quiz Leagues

The MQL is the governing body of the five independent quiz leagues located in the Merseyside area. Additionally, each league organises its own knockout and/or cup competitions either during or at the end of the season. Each area organises its Leagues via Local Committees.

Representatives from the Committees serve on the MQL. Council which takes decisions of overall importance. Quiz teams come from pubs, clubs, factories, local government, offices, churches, sports and political clubs, etc, and players come from every walk of life.

All matches are played strictly in accordance with MQL rules which are continually refined and brought up to date. The rules are published on the website together with fixtures and general information. 

Highlights of the season, apart from the various finals, are the Area Presentation Nights and the MQL Presentation, at which an array of cups, shields and mementos are distributed. Prior to each season, teams register and present their own sets of questions. After vetting, questions are sent on a weekly basis by independent question distributors. Strict security is observed to prevent fore-knowledge of question sets.

Since its inception, MQL. has helped other areas in the UK to form similar associations - and in some cases ex-members have 'carried the gospel' overseas. The appeal of the Quiz League is difficult to define, but all matches are played in a friendly and competitive spirit.  

In 1976, an individual competition was invented by the then General Secretary, Alan Urion.  It has a unique format which ensures that players have an equal chance of answering questions without reliance on buzzers, extra bonus points etc. It is called the MIMIR competition and is named after the Norse god of wisdom.  The format is now used by other Leagues around the world.